Monday, August 31, 2009

Runner's Almanac - Day 16

The training schedule provided by the LA Leggers written materials recommends the first midweek run on a Tuesday, so I decided to cross train today instead with some spinning.

Also, in LA Marathon news, they have now posted a video on their new route here. The video is fun, but it lacks any specifics except what we already know - Dodger's Stadium, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica. There is no information on streets or elevation except that it includes the hilly twists and turns of Sunset Blvd. Since the new management of the race, I have noticed its evolution into more of a commodity for customers than a marathon for runners. Fees have gone up to $125 with no early bird discounts, and the new route is more geared toward the commercial aspects of Los Angeles (and now the cities of West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica) such as Grauman's Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and gasp, Rodeo Drive - The video even pans to the Louis Vuitton store in Beverly Hills.

The LA Marathon's owner, real estate developer Frank McCourt, also owns the LA Dodgers; so his handiwork at bridging these two entities is not lost on us. Just visit the LA Marathon official website and the first image is a panoramic view of Dodger's Stadium. Since his plan to purchase the Boston Red Sox in his native Massachusetts failed, he is creating a monopoly of athletic organizations in our city. I support runners' excitement about the new course- but I'm hoping that this great event for our city isn't overshadowed by the corporate powers that be. Registration for the 2010 LA Marathon opens September 1st.

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